PRINCE CHARMING 



A PLAY 

FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES 



PRINCE CHARMING 

OR 

THK ART OF (iOMiRNlNCi MHN 



A DRAMA IN FOIK ACTS, ADAPTED FROM A TRANSLATION 
OF THE FRENCH TALE 



EDOUARD LABOULAVli 



t'Ol'N KUill r. I'^xi^', B^ ANNK MOKK 
ALL KUiMTS Ol'' b'RODUCTION KESKKXKl) 



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FOK TF.KMS OF I'l.K \l I^SK t.\ To DO IIIIS \'\.\\. WKII !•: Id 



ANXJ-: MORK, ToLo. Illixois 



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DRAMATIS im:rs()xj<:. 

KiNC Bizarre, Ruler of the Kingdom of Wild Oats. 

Prince Charming, the King's Son. 

The Countess of Castro. 

Pazza, grand-niece to the Countess. 

Doctor Wieduwillst, Court Physician. 

Hafiz, Philosopher ^ 

Melchizadec, Priest V Tutors to the Princt.. 

PiAYONET, General J 

RACHiiir.rRG, Jailor. 

Mentiras, Servant. 

Charybdis, Servant. 

Tristram "^ 

JocuNDUS > Expert Physicians. 

guilleret j 

Doctor Truth. 

Gipsy. 

Tonto, a Page. 



Ti'^P9b-a06474 
€CI.D 23943 



PRINCE CHARMING. 



ACT 1. 



ScKNK 1. // room in the l\dacc. liutranccs u. l. and u. Tabic near 
rculrc. Settee at right. SeT'cral chairs. 

(King Bizarke //; cunsiiltation with the Tutors of the I'kince.) 

King Bizarke. No, Love is not blind, whatever the jioets may say. 
.Mas, it would be too happy not to see a jot! But it is the torment of 
him who loves to become, despite himself, the slave and accomplice of 
him who feels himself beloved. Rather than to see my son — the dying 
bequest of my idolized wife — rather than to see this beloved child in 
tears, I would give him my crown — an I could. ^\\ atYection renders me 
powerless. Yet, I must throw off this slavish affection. 1 must be the 
stern parent. iNIy son iintst be educated as becomes a King's son. He 
is a dolt, — an ass, — he knows nothing! 

B.WONET. Sire! Sire! You speak uitii undue vehemence! Prince 
Charming carries himself like a soldier. He rides like a riding-master. 
He fences to perfection. He dances enchantingly. He salutes the crowds 
in passing in a most ri)_\al manner — when he is in good humor. 

King Bizarre. True, true, good Bayonet ! Yet, with all these ac- 
complishments, he lives lawless and unconstrained. He is as stubborn as a 
nuile, as irascible as a turkey-cock, as dainty as a cat, and as idle as an 
adder, and he knows not even tlie alphabet. Melchizadec. Haliz, some- 
thing must be done ! 

Hafiz. Sire, though Prince Charming is as beautiful as the sun, — the 
sun itself has spots; and, as your Royal Highness in your wisdom descries, 
the Prince has taken a fancy that he ought to know everytiiing without 
studying. 

.Mei.chizaiiec. Alas, too true, \"ciur .Majesty! 

Hafiz. It is true also. Sire, that in your court governesses, servants 
and courtiers have repeated to him the maxim that "work was not made 
for kings." .and they tell liim lii.'il .i prince .always knows enough when 
he lavishes on poets and writers and artists a little of ihc moms which 
the people are only too happy to give him. 

King Biz.xkrk. Yes, yes, Haliz! 'Tis easy to rtccount lor his short- 



4 PRINCE CHARM I X(.. 

comings, but yuur philosophy should offer something better than that if it 
is worth anything. The question is, what shall we do to bring the Prince 
to a better mind? 

AIelchizadec. Sire, Your Royal Highness well knows that all iiiy 
philosophy, and Latin, too, have stood for nothing against Prince Charm- 
ing's royal will. And Sir Bayonet's tactics and the philosophy of Hafiz, — 
all, alike, have been put to rout, and have left Prince Charming the master 
of the field, — a most accomplished prince, withal, but with no rnqre learn- 
ing than could be put in a nutshell ! .\las, Sire, I have nothing more t" 
ofifer. 

King Bizarre. Begone! all of you! Dolts! Asses! Why, forsooth, 
do I keep these vaunted wise men about me? (Tutors leave u. backing 
out in haste as the King berates them) Is there no one in the kingdom 
of Wild Oats who can devise a way to educate my son, willy-nilly? 
(Prince conies running gaily in, l., whipping a top) Boy! Ingrate ! 
Stupid! Why will you not learn? ]\Iust I have as my successor to the 
Kingdom of Wild Oats a dolt, — an ignoramus, whom the basest of flat- 
terers might easily deceive? (Shakes the lad). 

Prince Charming. (Frightened, hut protesting) But I don't want to 
learn, papa! Why must I learn? Hafiz knows, — and Melchizadec knows, 
—and Bayonet knows, and (between sobs) — what — they — know — is mine. 
It makes my head ache to stud}-, papa. — you know it does. And Mel- 
chizadec will say all the Latin in the books for me ; and Bayonet will tell 
me how to fight ; and Hafiz will write all my speeches for me. Papa, I 
won't, I won't! I hate the alphabet! {Bursts into a storm of tears) 

King Bizarre. (Relenting) There, there. Charming! One can't ex- 
pect the wisdom of years in your small pate. (Aside: Who shall teach 
him that these all, Hafiz, Melchizadec, Bayonet, — must go the way of all 
the world, and he must stand alone?) There, there, my son! (Pats him 
on the head and comforts him) Take this purse and divide it equally, 
among your good friends, the tutors. I was hasty with them just ntiw. ■ 
Say King Bizarre bids them spend it royally. 

Prince Charming. Thank you. papa! Thank you, papa! (Goes 
skipping out joyfully, v, zvaving the purse) 

(King sits dozvn at table and takes up cards, lays them out for a game. 
Enter Countes.s of Castro, r. King heaves a deep sigh) 

KiN(; BiZAKKi:. ("i)untess. yon see before you the most wretched of 
fathers and kings. I )espitr his natural grace, t li.-irniing is every day be- 
aming mure willful and vicious, Must I leave such an heir after me, 
and intrusl the lia])i)incss of my people tn a crowned fool? 

Countess. That is the way with nature; she aKvavs distributes her 



I'KIXCI-: CIIAK.MIXG. 5 

gifts with ail impartial Iiaiul. Sliipidity and beauty go hand in hand, and 
wit and ugliness are seldom separated. I have an example of this in my 
own family. A few days ago a great grand-niece was sent to me, a child 
under ten years old. that has no other relative. She is as tawny as a 
frog, as scraggy as a spider, yet, withal, as cunning as an ape and as 
learned as a book. Judge for yourself. Sire! Here is the little monster, 
coming to salute you. (Meets Pazza entering, r. removes her hat and 
smooths her gown. Pazza at^proaches and curtsies to the king) 

King Bizarre. Who are you? (chucking her under the chin) 

Pazz.\. (Gravely) I am Donna Dolores Rosario Coral Concha Bal- 
thazara Alelchiora Gaspara y Todos Santos, daughter of the most noble 
knight Don Pasquale Bartolomeo Ffancesa dv Asiz y — 

King Bizarre. Enough ! I did not ask for your genealogy. We are 
witnessing neither your baptism nor your marriage. What are you com- 
monly called? 

Pazza. Sire, I am called Pazza. 

King Bizarre. And why are you called Pazza? 

Pazza. Because that is not my name. 

King Bizarre. That is strange! 

Pazza. No, it is natural. My aunt pretends that I am far too giddy 
for any saint to wish to own me for her god-daughter, and that is why she 
has given me a name that can offend no one in Paradise. 

King Bizarre. Well answered, my child. I see that you are not an 
an ordinary girl. The saints in Paradise are not always treated with such 
consideration. Since you know so much, tell me, what is a wise man? 

Pazz.\. .\ wis'e man. Sire, is one who knows what he says when he 
speaks, and what he does when he acts. 

King Bizarre. Upon my word, if my wise men were what you fancy 
them, I would make the Academy of Sciences my Council of State, and 
would give it my kingdom to govern. What is an ignorant man? 

Pazza. Sire, there are three kinds of ignorant men : he who knows 
nothing; he who talks- of what he does not know; and he who will le..irn 
nothing. All three are fit for nothing but to be burned or hanged. 

King Bizarre. That is a proverb. Do you know what proverbs are 
called? 

I'azza. Yes, Sire, they arc called the wisdom of the nations. 

King Bizarre. And why are they so called? 

Pazza. Because they are mad; they say whatever you please; they arc 
of all colors, to suit all tastes. Proverbs are like bells, which answer 
vcs 1)1" no. acc-didint; In the humnr dl" the listener. 

( I'azz.\ .V(-(//.s' hcr.u-lf ini ihc fluor with her dull, and bcijins- l« ruck it to 
and fro in her arms, hnnimini/ softly) 



(i ■ I'RLXCE CHARMING. 

Countess. Well, Sire, what think you of this child? 

King Bizarre. She has too much wit. She will not live long. 

Pazza. {Looking up) Ah, Sire, you are not complimentary to my 
aunt; she is considerably older than I am. 

Countess. Hush, gipsy! {Smiling) Don't you know that nobody lec- 
tures kings? 

(King shuffles cards about. Cuuxte.ss adjusts Imf and z^'rap for Pazza.) 

King Bizarre. Countess, an idea has just struck me which is so strange 
I hardly dare tell it to you ; yet I have a violent wish to carry it out. 
I can do nothing, with my son. Reason has no power with the stubborn 
child. Who knows whether folly might not be more successful? If I 
thought so, I would make Pazza Charming's teacher. The intractable 
boj% who rejects all masters, might be defenceless before a child. The 
only objection is that no one will be of my opinion. 

Countess. Bah ! Everybody is so stupid that that is a proof that 
you are right, to think differently. Try it, Sire. 

■ .King Bizarre. Ah Countess ! You are a wise woman; you dandled 
me on your knees when I was an infant, and you give me good advice in 
my old age. Let it be tried tomorrow. We shall see what the child's wit 
can accomplish where wise men have failed. 
. Countess. Sire, she is witty to the tips of her fingers. 

Curtain. 

Scene 2. Same. A'e.vt day. (P.\zza and Charming alone together arc 
gazing at each other sliyly.) 

P.^zz.v What is your name? 

Charming. {lira piqued tone) Those who know me call me "Your 
Highness," those who do not know me call me simply "My Lord," and 
everybody says "Sir" to me. Etiquette requires it. 

Pazza. What is etiquette? 

Ch.\rming. I don't know. When I want to shout and roll on the ground. 
I am told it is contrary to etiquette. Then I keep still and yawn for lack 
of amusement,— that is etiquette. 

Pazza.' Siiicc we are here to amuse ourselves, there is no etiquette 
needed. Speak to me as if I were your sister, and 1 will speak to you as 
if you were my l)rother. I will iml call son ".M\ L.ord." 

Charming. But vou don't know me. 



I'kl.WJ': ClIAKMIXG. 7 

IV\ZZA. What does tliat niMttor? I will love \ou, that is lietter. 'J'hey 
say you dance beautifully. Teach me tn dance, will you? 
( He teaches Iter the lalcsl step ) 

CH.\K>tiN(;. How well .\nii dance! \ on ha\e can.i;hl the steji direcllv. 

Fazza. It is because mui are a .nood teacher. .Vow it is my turn to 
teach you something. (Takes u/^ heaiilifnl picliirc book and shozcs 
(.'i[.\R.M i.\(_; pictures, in ■zcliicli lie is i/really inleresied) 

I'azza. Sec, here is the explanation oJ all the pictures, — read it. 

Chakming. I don't know hdw to read. 

Pazza. 1 will teach you. I will be your little tutor. 

Charming. No, I do not wish to read, ^ly masters tire me. 

Pazza. Verj- well, but I am not a master. See, here is A. Beautilul. 
great A. Say A. 

CHARjriNG. Xo, {frozi'iiiiuj } I will never say A. 

Pazza. Xot to please me? 

Charming. Xo, enough of this! T don't like people to differ from me. 

Pazza. Sir, a polite man never refuses ladies anything. 

Charmi.xg. I would refuse the devil in petticoats. (Tosses liis head.) 
I am tired of you. Let me alone. I don't love you any longer. Call me 
-.My Lord." 

Pazza. Aly Lord Charming, — or my charming lord, {angrily) you 
shall read, or I will know the reason why. 

Char.ming. I won't read I * 

Pazza. Will you not? One — two — three — 

Char.mixg. X'o — no — no — 

(Pazza giz'es him sharp box on the ear. Charming trembles, and then 
(jaces zmth intent look at Pazz.v until she gives a sudden start, lie re- 
gains his self-possession, and in a tremulous I'oice speaks.) 

Charming. Pazza, that is A. ^ 

Pazza. B. (pointing) 
Charming. B. 
Pazza. C. (pointing) 

Charming. C. (So on, with increasing rapidity, through the all^habet.) 
Pazza. Xow, sing it. 

Ch.\rming. A-b-c-d, e-f-g, h-i-j-k. 1-m-n-o-p, 
Q-r-s-t, u-w-v. 
These are all the letters, saving 

x-y-z. 
[\\zz.\. \^er\- good. Charming. Xow \iiu know your aliihabet, \ou 
shall learn to spell. 

Cn.vKMixc. {Sings as Pazza points, from another bonk) 



S rUlNCh: Cll A K.MING. 

B-a, ha: be. be; b-i. bi : ba. Iie. bi. 

P.-f.. bn: ba. l)e, bi, b.,; b-u. bu : b.i, be, bi. b.>. bil. 

D-a, da; d-e, dc ; d-i, di; etc. 

Pazza. Good, Charming, good! Now who shall say 1 am not a i^iMul 
teacher? Let us dance again. (Takiiu; hold of luiiids. Ilicy dtuirc as t'nc 
curtain falls) 

Curtain. 



I'RIXCK CHARMING. 



ACT II. 

ScKXE 1. Corridor in the castle. Entrances R. L. and u. Time — Sei'en 
years later. H.\fiz seated l. and Dr. Wikduwillst r. of table) 

Hafiz. And do you know. Dr. Wieduwillst, just how thi.s romance 
started, and when the Prince Charming — it is hard for me to learn to say 
King Charming, peace to the ashes of the good King Bizarre ! — I say, 
when did the Prince first become enamoured of our Queen Pazza? True, 
they were playmates together, but love is a different matter, and seems 
not oft to spring from the constant companionship of early youth. 

Wieduwillst. Ah, Hafiz, you could ask no one better prepared than 
I am to inform you on this matter, for it was I, Wieduwillst himself, who 
was close by when the news was broken to our good King Bizarre, — 
peace to his soul I 

Hafiz. Say on, good Doctor. 

Wieduwillst. Upon one day not long before his death, came Prince 
Charming to him, saying, ''Father I have long reflected on your wise 
words. You have often admonished me, "Xever forget that you owe 
everything to Pazza.' You gave me life, my father, but Pazza has done 
still more in awakening my mind and soul. I see but one way 
of paying the debt of my lieart. That is, to marry the woman to whom I 
am indebted for what I am. I come to ask you for Pazza's hand." 

Hafiz. I'll venture his majesty was surprised. 

Wieduwillst. The King was surprised, but not displeased. Indeed, 
Haliz. you know how dear to his heart the Countess' grand-niece has 
always been. "Mj^ dear child," he said, "this step does you credit. Pazza 
is not of royal blood. She is not the one whom, under different circum- 
stances, I should have chosen for your wife. But her virtues, her merit, 
and above all, the service which she has rendered us, make us forget idle 
prejudices. Pazza has the soul of a queen. She shall mount the throne 
with you. In the country of Wild Oats, wit and Inimor are held m 
sufficient estimation to win you forgiveness for what fools call a mis- 
alliance, and what T call a princely marriage. Happy is he who can choose 
an intelligent wife, capable of understanding and loving him. Tomorrow 
your betrothal shall be celebrated, and in two years your marriage shall 
take place." 

Hafiz. How like our gracious and just IJizarre, forsooth I 

\V'ir:iiuwiLLST. Those were the words of His Majesty, my dear H-.Tiz, 



10 PRINCE CHARMING. 

and the betrothal was duly celebrated, as you know. Alas, that our 
good king was not permitted to live to see the fulfillment of those be- 
trothal vows, — to witness what our eyes have just seen — the most splen- 
did and gorgeous wedding that the kingdom of Wild Oats has ever be- 
held ! 

Hafiz. Truly said, Dr. Wieduwillst, it was a sight to dazzle eyes and 
w«rm hearts. What though the taxes were doubled ! Who could regret 
mone}' so nobly employed? Men have come from a hundred leagues 
round to gaze at our new king and his beautiful bride. 

Wieduwillst. Beautiful, indeed, Hafiz! Wondrous l>eautifull But 
think you what she was when she was first introduced to our king ! How 
has the chrysalis given birth to the butterfly ! Just a few years, and tlie 
frightful little girl of ten blossoms into the royal beauty I Was ever any- 
thing more graceful than the royal pair as they descended from the 
throne? Truly 'tis a rare union, and the Kingdom of Wild Oats is blessed 
in its sovereign. 

(Enter Bayonet l.) 

B.WONET. Oh, these dinners, and these liarangues. and those poems to 
bfe listened to by the hour! Glorious they arc, luit tedious to a man of 
war — sore tedious. 

Tomorrow, good friends, tomorrow is l*>ayonet's day! Tlien will tlie 
troops pass in review before the king and (|ueen, and Bayonet shall show 
what he can do for their majesties. Come. Hafiz. — come Wieduwillst.^ 
prepare for the morrow's festivities by rest and sleep. The hours wear 
away toward morn. {The three men zvitlidrcm.' r. ) 

(Enter King Charming, k. Ictuiin;/ Qcken Pazza ^_v the hand -n'ith cold 
politeness, as he slioxis her oi^cr the caslle. King slu}-:\-s hack a panel 
in the ivainseoting. showing a grated door leading off from the corridor 
into a dungeon ndth bars at the xcindow.)* 

Pazza. What is this? It looks like a prison. 

King. Yes (zcitli a terrible look), it is a prison which you will quit 
only for the grave. 

Pazza. My dear, you frighten me. (Smilingly) .\ni T a criminal 
without knowing it? Have I deserved your displeasure, tliat you threaten 
me with a dungeon ? 



* Note. This ma> 1>e managed witli a tapestry or curtain of some sort 
bung so that it conceals an ordinary duor, but can l)e easily shoved aside. 
This door may be slightly opened instead of using the grating. A grated 
window should lie shown opjiosite do<n-, with light shining tlu-ough. 



PRINCE CHARM IXC. 11 

King. You have a short memory. An insult is written on sand to 
the giver; it is inscribed on marble and bronze to the receiver. 

Pazza. Charming-, you are repeating something from those speeches 
that tired me so much. Can you lind nothing better to say to me today? 

King. Wretch I You no longer remember the box on the car that 
you gave me seven years ago, but I have not forgotten it. Know that if 
I wished you for my wife, it has been only to have your life in my hands, 
and to make you slowly expiate your crime of high treason. 

Pazza. (Pettishly) My dear, you may put on your Bluebeard airs, 
but you will not frighten me, I assure you. I know you, Charming, and 
I warn you that if you do not put an end to this bad jest, I will not only 
give you one box on the ear, but three. Ijefore I forgive you. Make 
liaste, and let me go out, or I vow that I will keep my word. 

King. Vow it then, INIadam! (Furious at not intimidating Pazza) 
I accept your vow. T vow, too, on my side, that I will never acknowledge 
youas my wife till I have been base enough to receive three times an in- 
sult which nothing but blood can wash out. He laughs well who laughs 
last. Rachimburg! Ho, Rnchimliurg! 

(Enter Rachimeukg, idw roughly pushes the queen into the dungeon 
zuhere she fails dozvn on a pallet of strazv. IVIiereupon Rachimburg 
turns a-Kvy. and closes and noisily locks the great door.) 

King. Let no one see her, Rachimburg, and bread and water shall be 
her diet. 

(The king himself slides back the panel, then walks aimy. The jailor 
paces to and fro several minutes and then gently slides open the 
panel, and is seen hut not heard to converse through tlie grating. A 
small hand is thrust through the bars. The rough hand of the jailor 
meets it. The panel is slid back again, and tlie curtain goes down on the 
jailor pacing back and forth.) 

Curtain. 
Scene 2. Room in the castle. 
Time — ojie iveek later. 

(Mentiras and Charvbdis busied about some work) 

MENTIR.A.S. 'Tis terrible, Charybdis. this mishap that hath befallen our 
fair queen on her marriage eve. A terrible blow to King Charming! 
\Yhat think you, Charybdis, — that 'tis a jud.gmcnt on him? 

CiiAKYnms. (Softly) .Sh — sh — sh. an you think thus. Mentiras. speak if 



n PRINCE CHARMING. 

nut out. Walls liave ears. (Louder) Did yoii also note Queen Pazza's 
manner, her bright eyes, her flushed ciieeks.'* Methought they became 
her well, and that she never looked more beautiful than under the stress 
of the excitement after the wedding celebration ; but I see the Court 
Gazette says all her brilliancy was but a sign and symptom of the fatal 
madness that seized her a few hours later. 

Mentiras. 'Tis well that she will have the great Dr. Wieduwillst to 
prognosticate her malady. Know you how learned he is, Charybdis? 

Charybdis. I have heard somewhat of his learning. 

Mentiras. He came from the Land of Dreams to find his fortune here 
in the Kingdom of Wild Oats. 

Charybdis. And he is too able a man not to find it, at any cost. 

Mentiras. Five years did he study at the great University of Lugen- 
maulberg, and during that time the medical theory, as they tell me, 
changed twenty-five times ! Such a solid education ! Ah, nothing can 
shake the principles of the great Wieduwillst. 

Gh.\rybdis. 'Tis true he swears sometimes in the presence of ladies. 

Mentiras. But his rudeness only seems to make them esteem him 
greater. In a controvers}-, he is, always of the same opinion as the strong- 
er, and he often demands a great fee for having no opinion. 

Charybdis. He will cure the malady of the queen if it can be done. 
But, alas, they say the case is hopeless ! 

Mentiras. So says the Court Gazette. 'Tis good authority. 

(Exeunt servants u. Enter King r., ivho throws himself into a chair, 
disconsolately. Picks up Court Ga::ette from table. Reads idly. Throivs 
it douni zvearily. Sighs and looks bored to death. Enter l. Rachimburg, 
who throws himself at the King's feet trcnibling.) 

Rachimburg. Sire ! I bring you my head I The Queen has disappeared ! 

King. What do you tell me? The thing is impossible. The dungeon 
is barred on all sides. 

Rachimburg. Yes, the thing is impossible; the walls are whole, and 
neither the locks nor the bolts have been disturbed. But there are witches 
in the world that pass through walls without moving a stone, and who 
knows but the prisoner is one of them? Was it ever known whence she 
came? 

{King seons struck zcitli the thonght and greatly agitated) 

King. Summon Mentiras, knave! (Rachimburg goes out v. and re- 
turns immediately zvith Mentiras) Mentiras, search out the great Dr. 
Wieduwillst, and summon Iiim to my presence at once. Go! (Exit 



i'Rjxci': ciiAkMixr,. in 

Mentikas, i:. Iwzx-iiii/ Itm') F.iitlilfs;> slave! u<> IvAriiiMiu kg ) yoii li;nc 
forfeited your place of trust — yet — (hcsifatiitg) if she truly be a witch, 
wlio could keep her? We will say nothing of this in public, Rachimburg. 
You must lose your place — but sta\'. ((LV Rachimburg shows great dejection) 
you shall be warden of tlic royal castle. (Hands Iiini f^ursc) See that no 
one hears the particulars of her escape, Rachimburg. 

(Rachimburg prostralcs himself al the King's feet after pocketing the 
purse, but rises as Wieduwillst enters v. in great luiste and Ixin's loii< 
before the King.) 

VViEDUWii-LST. Sire! Your will? 

King. The Queen — -she has escaped, Wicduwillst — the Lord only knows 
how ! 

WiEDUWiLL.'^T. Alas! alack! "^'our Highness, this is terrible news! 

King. She is a mad woman at large — helpless, yet dangerous. Sum- 
mon the police, Wieduvvillst, — make thorough search. Let no stone be 
left unturned. The queen must be found. 

WiEDUWiLLST. At once. Your Highness! Trusty men shall be sent 
everywhere, and ( titoughtfiilly) spies shall be set upon the Countess, with 
your permission. Rachimburg shall — 

King. Rachimburg is no longer jailor. He must suffer for his negli- 
gence. 

WiEDUWiLLST. (Boiving) A just monarch, in truth ! 

King. But such a man is dangerous in idleness. He shall be warden 
of my castle. 

WiEDUWiLLST. Yet capable of clemency, withal ! Sire, I hasten to do 
your bidding. Search shall be made in every corner of the kingdom. 

(Enter CnARYBni.s l.. in great agitation, and boivs lour before the king) 

Charybdis. Sire, a fisherman seeks audience with your highness. He 
has information of sad import. 

King. Permit him to enter. 

Charybdis. Oh, Sire, be calm! Remember your Royal Highness' loyal 
subjects. To them the royal grief is a terrible calamity. 

(linter fisherman l.. followed by Wieduwillst and the Countes.s, the 
latter wringing her hands and sobbing. The fisherman has a draggled 
royal robe and mantle formerly worn by the queen. He silently lays 
them doivn before the king, n'ho is overcome.) 

King. (Leaning on Wieduwillst) Wieduwillst, question him. 
Wieduwillst. Where were these found, man, and how came you by 
them ? 



14 PRINCE CHARMING. 

Fisherman. Sire, and Herr Doctor, — at day-break I, myself, found 
them on the sea-shore. 

WiEDUWiLLST. Alas, 'tis plain the poor woman has drowned herself. 
Countess. Oh, my Pazza ! my Pazza ! 

Curtain. 



'kixcj-: niAKAiiNC. " jn 



ACT III 



ScKNE 1. Corridor in ihc castle. Time — 0)ie month after last scene. 

{Corridor v. brancltinjj off from the main one shores brilliant illumina- 
tion in the distance, and masked figures promenading from time to 
time. Charybdis discovered in foreground, transferring bottles from 
hamper to tray. Enter Mentiras v. with zvse of flo7i'ers.) 



Charybuis. Well, well, Alentiras. it seems but yesternight that you 
and I were busy as bees at the wedding, and but a horrid dream, all that 
has happened since. 

Mextikas. (Carefully putting dozvn the z'ase of flowers, goes and 
kneels by Charybdis) But, say, Charybdis, thirtk you truly that this is 
seemly — all this gayety and masking, so soon, alas, after the terrible mis- 
f orttme to our queen ? I tell you, Charybdis, it looks not well to me ! 
{.'^'haking his head mournfully) 

Charybiiis. (Softly) Sh — sh — Did you not read in the Court Gazette, 
Mentiras, "tis for the populace 'tis done? Lord Wieduwillst says, and so 
says the King, that the kingdom must not suffer on account of the great 
grief of the king. ( Mentiras continues shaking his head) Was it 
not a splendid funeral, Mentiras, and did we not mourn, from 
palace to hovel, according to all the rules prescribed by etiquette, the full 
three Aveeks of the first period? (Grozving enthusiastic) The mourning 
color, blue, was everywhere to be seen, — in draperies and cli>the&', — yes. 
and even fields and sky joined in, for was ever such a cloudless sky, and 
such a carpet of violets in the royal meadows, as last month? 

Mentiras. Yes, yes, Charybdis, but that this second period, when all 
should wear pink in memory of the dear queen — that this should be cut 
off seems to me a sore discourtesy to her late majesty. 

Charybdis. Not so. not so, Mentiras. It falls, as you know, upon our 
Carnival week. How could the kingdom of Wild Oats endure without 
Carnival week? 'Twas great, I say, to put his people above his personal 
griefs. And more — you know that editorial in the Court Gazette? 'Twas 
well put, indeed, after the council had decided that the queen was legally 
dead, and the king legally a widower, to entreat him in the voice of his 
people, to abridge a painful mourning and to marry again. 'Twas 
Wieduwillst, when he advised his majesty thus, that the king embraced, 
sobbing- and calling him his cruel friend. .And I hope the king will do 
't. Mentiras, I do, indeed. 



JG PRINCE ClJAKiAUNG. 

Mentirus. Well, I don't. (Still shaking his head mounifully, he picks 
up the vase of flowers and goes off. Charyedis soon follows with his 
tray.) 

(Enter r. two masked figures and pass along this corridor L. — a couple 
promenading. Later, one solitary zvoinan masker enters u. and seats 
herself on a settee, meditatively. Gives signs of weariness, yawning. 
Gipsy costume disclosed beneath a domino. Presently a man in somber 
black domino enters and approaches the gipsy.) 

King. Fair mask, your place is nut here. Why are you not among the 
eager and curious crowd that is around the King, to dispute his smile 
and heart? Do you not know there is a crown to be gained there? 

Gipsy. I make no such pretensions. In this game of chance one runs 
the risk of taking the servant for the king. 1 am too proud to expose my- 
self to such a hazard. 

King. But if I show you the King? 

Gipsy. What could I say to him? 1 could not blame him without of- 
fence, nor praise him without flattery. 

King. You think much evil of him then? 

Gipsy. No, a little evil, and much good, — but what does it matter? 
(Opening fan, relapses into a reverie) 

King. Fair gipsy, I pray you, let me see the mouth that can give utter- 
ance to such kind and discerning words. The eyes your mask reveals 
could speak volumes, too, an they would. Unmask, fair gipsy, and make 
my confidence in the beauty that your mask conceals, a certainty. (Gipsy 
fans wearily, hut says nothing) You drive me to despair! Why this 
cruel silence? 

Gipsy. Because I know you. my lord. Your voice, which goes to tlie 
heart, — your language, your grace, all tell me who you are. (.Is king 
tries to detain her) Let me go, Prince Charming ! 

King. No, madam ! You alone have recognized me. You alone have 
understood me. To you belong my heart and kingdom ! Throw off that 
suspicious mask. (Ardently) This very instant we will return to the ball 
room, and I will present to the ignorant crowd the woman whom I ha\e 
the happiness not to displease. Say but one word, and all my people shall 
be at your feet. 

Gipsy. (Sadly) My lord, permit me to refuse an ofl'er which does nv- 
honor, and the memory of which I shall always preserve. T am am- 
bitious, I own. The time has been when I should have been proud to 
share your throne and name. But before all things T am a woman, and 
place all my happiness in love. I will nO't have a divided heart, should m\ 
ri\Ml 1)e only a memory. 1 am jealous even of the past. 



IM^IXCL: LllAR.MIXli. 17 

KliNci. 1 have never loved in my life. There is a mystery connected 
with my marriage which I can reveal only to my wife, but I swear that 
r have never given away my heart. I love now for the first time. 

Gipsy. {Approaching the light) Show me >our hand, and let me see 
whether you have told the truth. {Studies lines in his hand) You are 
right, my lord, (sadly) you have never loved. But this does not appease 
my jealousy. Another woman has loved you before. These bonds are 
not broken by death. The queen still loves you. You belong to her. 
To accept a heart which is no longer at your disposal would lie sacri- 
legious and criminal in me. Farewell ! 

King. Madam, you do not know what you make me suffer. There are 
things which I would gladly bury in eternal silence, but which you force 
me to reveal. The queen never loved me : ambition alone dictated her 
conduct. 

Gipsy, That is not so. The queen loved you. 

King. No, madam, my father and I were the victims of a detestable 
intrigue. 

Gipsy. Enough I Respect the dead ! Do not slander them ! 

King. Madam, I assure j'ou, and none ever doubted my word, that 
the queen never loved me. She was a wicked woman. 

Gipsy. Ah ! 

King. Willful, violent, and jealous. 

Gipsy. If she was jealous, she loved you. Seek for proofs which have 
at least a shadow of probability I Do not accuse a heart which was 
wholly yours. 

King. {Excitedly) So far from loving me, the very night of my marriage 
she dared tell me to my face that she married me only for my crown. 

Gipsy. That is not true. {Raises her hand) 

King. I swear it ! 

Gipsy. You lie! {Boxes liiin on the ear) 

(King steps back, furious; blinded by the blow, he feels for his szvord, but 
finds only a knot of ribbons. Stumbles off blindly after the gipsy, who 
disappeared k. immediately after the blozv. but he takes the zvrong 
direction, l. Soon //Mrraj are heard, and couples are seen unmasking 
in the distance. Charybdis conies hurrying across the stage from v. 
zvith a tray. Mentiras oz'ertakcs him. and pokes him in tliQ ribs, jok- 
ingly, almost upsetting the fray, much to Chakyrdis' annoyance) 

Mentiras. Ha, ha, Cliarybdis, did you see it? My Lord Wieduwillst, 
indeed! Ha, ha ! 

Charybdis. The witches take thee. Mentiras, what's all this about? 
I Sets doiJi.ni tray and straightens things) 

Mkxtiras. Wore von not there? Did von miss it all, Charydis? Tv.'as 



IS PRINCE CHARMING. 

thus : The king came running in among the maskers. None knew him 
till ht sprang upon a chair, pulled off his mask and called out loudly 
"Ladies and gentlemen, day is approaching and pleasure is languishing. 
Let us revive mirth by a new caprice. Off with the masks. I set the 
example. Let all who love me follow.it." 

Charvbdi.s. But the pink rosettes ! 'Twas said that he who wore the 
brown velvet domino with the pink rosettes was King Charming. 'Twas 
so given out this morning and from Lord Wieduwillst it came, too. What 
higher authority could one have? Who nearer the King, Mentiras, or 
more like to know how be would disguise himself? Was it not the king, 
indeed ? 

Mentikas. There's where I have you, Charybdis ! Ha, ha I Our 
boasted Lord Wieduwillst outdid himself this time. True, he must have 
enjoyed it while it lasted. All the ladies vied to do him honor; but when 
the unmasking came — where was Wieduwillst? Ha, ha! The pink 
rosettes had hidden a modest man, indeed, — a very modest man. Had he 
wings on his feet he could not have disappeared more rapidly. Now, 
where is your Lord Wieduwillst? ( Pokes Charybdis again) Ha, ha! Ha, 
ha! {Helps Ciiarybdis off i^'iili tray, htKf/Iiiiig) And had the king not been 
so bent on seeing all the gipsies that the unmasking revealed, he, too, 
would have seen the great Lord Wieduwillst in flight,— all because of 
the pink rosettes. Ha, ha ! Ha, ha ! 

CHARYjiDis. (JJ\rnniigly) Sh — sb — 

(li.vciiiit AIentiras and Charybdis l. ISiiter King v.. fro>n ball room, 
met by R.\CHiMBURG, hurrying along the corridor, from v..) 

Raciiimburg. ( Trembling, and i<<ith an air of terror) Sire, — (mys- 
teriously) has your majesty seen it? 

King. What ? 

R.vcHTMBURG. The spectre! It passed close bj' me. I am a lost man. 
I shall die tomorrow. 

King. What spectre? What fool's tale are you telling me? 

Rachimburg. a spectre, — a domino with flashing eyes, that threw me 
on m}- knees and boxed mj^ ears twice. 

King. It is she! It is she! Why did you let her go? 

Rachimburg. Your majesty, I bad not my pike ; -but if ever I see her 
again I will knock her down. 

King. Do no such thing! If ever she returns, do not frighten her: 
follow her and discover her retreat. But where is she? Which way did 
she go? Lead me; if I find her, your fortune is made. 

Kachimbirg. Sire, if the spectre i^ anywhere, it must be up yonder. 
(gazing n toward) I saw it. as plainlx as 1 see Your Majesty, dissolving in 
mist, i'ut before taking flight it ga\e me a message for Your Majesty. 



i-kixci*: ciiAUMixc. 19 

King. What ? Speak quickly ' 

Rachimbtjrg. Sire, its words were terrible. I shall never dare to re- 
peat them to j-Qur majest}-. 

King. Speak ! I order you. 

Rachimburg. Sire, the spectre said, in a sepulchral voice, "Tell the 
king that if lie marries again he is a dead man. riic lined one will re- 
turn." 

Kixc. Here, take my purse. Henceforth I attach you to my person. 
I appoint you my first attendant, counting on your devotion and prudence. 
Let this affair remain a secret between us. 

Rachimburg. (Departing r.) That makes two. 

King. (Calling after him as he disat'l^ears) Ho. Rachimburg! 

Rachimburg. Sire? 

King. Summon Melchizadec. 

Rachimburg. Yes, Sire. (Exit v.) 

King. (After Melchizadec enters from u. and boics loiv before him) 
Well, Melchizadec. have you that little paragraph ready for the Court 
Gazette tomorrow? [As M produces a document) Ah. I see you have 
it. Let us hear it. 

Melchizadec. (Reading) "A rumor has been spread that tlie king 
is thinking of marrying again. The rumor is not without foundation. 
The king knows what he owes to his people, and is always ready to 
sacrifice personal feelings for the good of his subjects. The — " 

King. There, Melchizadec, that must be changed. The thought of mar- 
riage is distasteful to me. Make it read differently, Melchizadec. I will 
not marry. Sit down here, and fi.K it up. I will wait to hear it. 

(Melchizadec sits doxi'u. zvrites. scratches nut. ziTifes, and finally seems 
satisfied ivith tlie result.) 

Melchizadec. Sire, 'tis ready. Will your majesty hear? 

King. Read. 

Melchizadec. "A rumor has been spread that the king is thinking of 
marrying again. The king knows what he owes to his people, and is 
always ready to sacrifice himself for the happiness of his subjects. But 
the people of Wild Oats have too much delicacy not to respect a recent 
affliction. The king's whole thoughts are fixed on his beloved wife: he 
hopes the consolation from time, that is at present refused him." 

King. That will do. Melchizadec. See that it appears in tomorrow's 
Gazette. 

Melchizadec. 'Tis done. Sire. (Bozcs tozc and retires v.) 

(King yazms as curtain goes down). 

Curtain. 



20 I'RINCE CHARMiNG. 



ACT IV 

Scene ]. Room in castle. Time — one month after last scene. 

King. Wieduwillst, 'tis strange, this malady that lays hold upon me. 
I know 'tis but an hallucination, but everywhere, everywhere I see the 
gipsy masker. In the council, in the review of troops, — in the latest novel, 
as I read it, — the masker comes before me. And always, — after I see her 
and talk to her, and she talks with me, — when she raises her mask 'tis the 
same sad, pale face, — 'tis Pazza. Oh, Wieduwillst, remorse gnaws at my 
heart! Why— 

WiEDUWiLL.ST. Sire, Sire, this is but the effect of habit. Gain time, 
multiply impressions, and all will be effaced. I have arranged that the 
physicians of the faculty, Tristram, Jocundus and Guilleret. shall today 
give their opinions' on your case. They are celebrated men. Your Majesty, 
and will no doubt recommend to you some course that will dispel these 
illusions and restore you fully to health. 

ilinter Rachimburg l.) 

Rachimburg. Sire, the physicians of the faculty await your pleasure. 
King. (Languidly) Let them come in. 

(Enter the three physicians of the faculty, to luhoin the King pays but 
little attention, but at Wieduwillst's suggestion permits them to ex- 
amine him gravely. They then consult together in loxv tones.) 

Tristram. (At length) Sire, you must be bled like a peasant, and live 
without any exertion whatever. Your disease is a deficiency of blood, a 
constitutional atony. Nothing but a journey tor the Clear Waters can 
cure you. Go quickly, or you are a dead man. You have my opinion. 

Jocundus. Sire, I fully share the admirable opinion of my dear pro- 
fessional brother. You are suffering from superabundant vitality. Your 
disease is a constitutional plethora. Go, drink the Clear Waters, and 
you will be a well man again. Sire. You have my opinion. 

Guilleret. Sire, the diagnostic of my masters fills me with admiration. 
I bow before their learning. Like them I believe you are suffering from 
disorder of the sympathetic nerves. Your disease is a constitutional 
nervousness. Drink the Clear Waters. Go quickly, or you are a dead 
man. You have my opinion. 



I'KIXCI-: (MA KM IXC. .•>! 

{ riiysh idiis siili'iiinly drjmil i,. Kim. muaius iiuliH cmil .) 

W'lKDiw u.LST. Sire, it is the unanimous opinion of these gentlemen that 
if you wish to be cured you must go to the Clear Waters, and abandon 
the affairs of state. Such a resohition appears to me unwortliy of your 
Royal Majesty. .\ great prince should sacrilice himself for his people — 

King. Enough! Spare me this worn out moralizing, and come to the 
conclusion. You really wish me to go — you are dying for me to do so, 
for my own interest of course. Draw up a decree i)lacing the regency in 
your hands, and I will sign it. 

WiKiirwii.LST. Sire, the decree is here in your portfolio; a good minister 
always has papers drawn up to suit whatever circumstances may arise. 
He never knows what may happen. 

(Charminc; takes nf a pen and cai-clcssly siijiis the doeunieiit. witlunif 
readiiii/, — then, sei.zcd -a'ith a ne:^' impulse, takes up the paper and reads.) 

King. What, no statement of reasons, nothing to assure the people of 
the kindness 1 bear them I Doctor, you are too modest. Tomorrow the 
decree shall be in the Gazette, with a statement from the hand of 3'our 
friend and master. Good-night! { Pisniissinf/ Wikduwiij.st l.) These 
gentlemen have tired me. 

(KrxG Chakmixg Sits moodily brooding. Enter Dr. Truth, l.) 

Dk. Truth. ( In a hiyh-pitclicd -t'oiec) Where are those knaves? Where 
are those ignorant fellows, those pedants, those illbred men that did not 
wait for me? Ah, so you are the patient? That is good. Pirt out your 
tongue. Quick, I am in a hurry. 

King. Who are you? 

Dr. Truth. I am Dr. Truth, the greatest doctor in the world, as you 
will soon see in spite of my modesty. Ask Wieduwillst. my pupil, who sent 
for me from the Land of Dreams. T cure everybody, even those who are 
not ill. Put out your tongue, that's right. Where is the opinion? (Pieks 
up a paper v.'hiclt the other doctors had left on the table) Very well. 
"Atony" — asinis. "Plethora" — asiiii. "Xervous'ness" — asinoruni. "Drink 
the Clear Waters" — asininuni. Do \ou know what is your disease? Tt is 
vexation and even worse. 

King. (Terrified) Do you see that? 

Dr. Truth. Yes, my son. it is written on your tongue. Dut I will 
cure you. It shall be done by tomorrow noon. 

King, ^>nlorrow ! All inv treasures shall — 



33 PRINCE CHARMING. 

Dr. Truth. Silence, my son. What portfolio is that? The minister's?' 
Good! Sign these papers for me. (Taking papers from portfolio') 

King. They are blank decrees. What do you wish to do with them? 

Dr. Truth. They are my ordinances. Sign. (King sifpis) Well 
done, my son. Be obedient, and tomorrow noon you shall l)e as gay as 
a lark. 

First ordinance: If you would be at peace, appear at peace. I suppress 
six regiments. 

Second ordinance : A penny in a peasant's pocket is worth twenty in 
the king's treasury. I suppress one-fourth of the taxes. 

Third ordinance : Liberty is like the sunshine, it is the happiness and 
fortune of the poor. I throw open the political prisons and demolish 
the debtors' prisons. 

You are laughing, my son. It is a good sign when a patient laughs at 
his doctor. 

King. Yes, I am laughing to think of Wieduwillst's face tomorrow, 
on reading these ordinances in the Court Gazette. Enough of these 
follies, buffoon doctor ! Give me back the papers, and put an end to this 
farce. 

Dr. Truth. What is this? (taking up tlic decree of the regency) 
God forgive me ! It is an abdication ! What are you thinking of, King 
Charming? What! this inheritance, bequeathed to you by your fathers, — 
the people intrusted to you by God, — your name, your honor, — will you 
throw all these at the feet of an adventurer? Will you let yourself be 
dethroned and duped by a deceiver? Impossible! It does not suit me. 
I oppose it. Do you hear? 

King. What insolent fellow addresses his king in this way? 

Dr. Truth. Politeness is not in words. Charming, are you mad? Are 
you dreaming? Are you wholly without heart? 

King. This is too much. Begone, wretch, or I will throw you out of 
the window. 

Dr. Truth. Begone! No, not til! I have destroyed this mad and 
stupid document. See ! I tear your abdication in pieces and trample it 
under foot! (At this the King attempts to sci::c the doctor; they strug- 
gle and the lamp is overturned) Let me go. for heaven's sake, let me 
go ! You know not what you are doing. You are breaking my arm. 
(Noise of struggling, in the dark, ended by what sounds like a blozv on the 
King's ear) 

King. Help! Help! 

(Rachimburg enters slozvly r., bringing a light) 
Ktng. Where is that infernal doctor? 



I'KIWl-: CIIAKMIXC. )l-\ 

Rachimburc. It is more than an liour, Sire, since His Excellency quitted 
the palace. 

King. Who is talking of Wieduwillst ? Which way did the villain 
go that just insulted me? (Rachimburc. raises his eyes contritely and 
sighs) A man went out of the door that leads to your rooms. How did 
he enter, and where has he fled? 

RachIiMburc. Sire. I ha^e neither quitted my post, nor seen anyone. 

King. I tell you that a man was in this room a moment ;igo. 

Rachimhurc. Sire, Your Majesty is never mistaken. If a man was 
in this room, he is here still, unless he has flown through the window, nv 
Your Majesty has been dreaming. 

King. Fool! do I look like a man who has been dreaming.'' Did \ 
overturn this lamp? Did I tear these papers? 

Rachimburg. Sire, I am nothing but a worm of the earth, (ind for- 
l)id that 1 should contradict my sovereign. Your Majesty (U)e.s' not hire 
me to give him the lie. But this year strange dreams are epidemic. Xo 
one knows what he may do or suffer in his sleep. Only just now I was 
overtaken with sleep in spite of myself, and if I were not sure that I was 
dreaming, I should declare that an invisible hand boxed my ears twice, 
at which I awakened with a start. 

King. It was the spectre! 

Rachi.mi'.urg. Your Majesty is right. I am nothing but a simpleton, — 
it was the spectre. 

King. And I did not know her! Xeverthless, it was her voice and 
air. W'hat does this mean? Is it a new insult?' Is it a warning from 
heaven?' Does some danger threaten me? Xi> matter, I will remain in my 
kingdom. 

My friend, not a word of this: take this purse and keep a secret. 
Rachimburg. That makes three. 

Curtain. 

Scene 2. Same. Time — iic.rf moniiiic/. 

(King discovered, seated. Enter Rachimburg l.) 

Rachimburg. Sire ( frcsoitiufi lanje bouquet of fl<'wers). will His 
Majesty permit the humblest nf his servants tn express tn him the universal 
joy? (Sound of huccas heard, from zi'ithout) Your people are in- 
toxicated with love and gratitude. The taxes lessened ! The prisons 
opened! The army reduced! Sire, you are the greatest jirince in the 
worbl. Xevcr has the earth seen a ruler like you. 

Sire, show yourself at the b.alcony. Answer these cries of "llmrah for 
the king"! Smile on the people th;il bless you! 



24 PRINCE CHARMING. 

(More huacas lieard. King steps from the room to balcony l., and is 
seen boz^'iny acknozdedginent of the people's cheers. Clock is heard to 
strike twelve as he steps back into the room, weeping zvith joy, over- 
come with the gratitude of his people. He sinks into a chair, as 
Rachimbukg icaits upon him. Enter Tonto, zifith letter zchich he 
presents to the King.) 

Tonto. Sire, a letter from Bayonet, — an officer brought it at full 
gallop ! 

King. [Reading) This is terrible news. The disbanded regiments have 
mutinied — under Wieduwillst ! They proclaim the downfall of the king, 
— and accuse him of terrible crimes. Numerous and well commanded, 
the insurgents approach the city. Bayonet intreats me to come instantly 
and take command. 

R.vcHiMBURG. At once. My Lord! This way, Sire. 

ToNTO. Oh, Sire, make haste ! 

{.Ill exeunt hastily, l. as curtain drops) 

Curtain. 

SciCNK :i. Bayonet's tent. {One entrance at rear.) Time — afternoon of 
same day. 
(Bayonet discovered, pacing to and fro impatiently. King enters and 

throzvs himself disconsolately into a chair. Tonto, having followed 

him. stands by. looking utterly disheartened.) 

Bayonet. Sire, permit me to speak to you with the frankness of an 
old soldier and the freedom of an old friend. The army is murmuring 
and hesitating; we must secure it or all is lost. The enemy is in sight: 
we must attack him. Five minutes sometimes decides the fate of empires ; 
it is so with us now. Do not wait till it is too late. 

(Enter Rachimburg) 

King. Very well. To horse! In an instant I will be with you. 

(Exit Bayonet) 

King. \\y good friends — Rachimburg. and Tonto. — quit a master who 
can do no more for you. T shall not dispute my wretched life with my 
enemies. Betrayed in friendship, and treacherously assassinated. T recog- 
nize in my misfortune the hand of God. It is in punishment of my 
crime. I killed the queen in my stupid vengeance : the hour has come to 
expiate my fault, and I am ready. 

Tonto. (Trying to smile) Sire, sliake off these sad ihoughts. If the 
queen were here, she would tell you to defend yourself. Believe me 



PULXc:K CllAki\IIN(i. 25 

( /,\'/.v//';/ / liis iiiusltirlir ) I ;itn ac([uainte(l with uumni. \\\\\- lliev <U'a<l, 
llu'.\ wmild still liivc lo avinj;*' thcinsolvfs. IV'sidcs. mmi ilid n>i( kill flu- 
i|uecii : and pcrliaps sIk- is not s<> dead as \ on iinatfiiu-. 

KiNi;. What do you sax ? NOu are losing' your reason. 

ToNTd. I say there are wimien who die expressly to enraye their iuis- 
hands. Why should there not lie those who would rise from the dead 
to enrage them still more? Leave the dead, and think of the living who 
love you. You are a kin.n : tight like a king', and if necessary fall like a 
king. 

Bayonet. {Entering.) Sire, time presses I 

ToxTO. General, to horse I Let us go! {Exit Bavoxet) 

King. No, I will not giv I do not understand my feelings. I am not 
afraid of death. I am going to kill myself; nevertheless I will not fight. 

ToNTo. Sire, in heaven's name summon up your courage ! To horse I 
Great God, the prince will not Hsten to me ! (wringing his hands) We 
are lost I Cornel (taking hold of the King'.s eloak) Up, Sire! To 
horse, unhapp\' prince ! Save ymir kingdom — sa\e your people — sa\'c all 
that love you ! 

Coward! Look at me. T am nothing hut a child, }et I am ahout to 
die for you. Fight! Do not disgrace yourself. If you do not rise, I will 
insult you — L }'Our servant! You are a coward, do you hear? A coward! 
{Boxes his ears) 

King. (Draiciug his si^^'ord) 'S death! Before I die I will have the 
pleasure of punishing one subject at least! 

( ToNTo makes his escape and is heard ontside) 

ToxTo. The King! my friends, the King! Sound the trumpets! For- 
ward ! 

(Exit King, in a blind rage, after Tonto) 

Rachimburg. {Gasing after them) By my pike, that is a good page! 
The king tnay thank me that he has so good a page. . . . (Goes to 
tent door) . . . Bravo! Bravo! The king is in a mighty fighting 

mood now \h. . . . the little Tonto leads all the troops, still 

shouting for the king. . . . His Majesty is close on Tonto's heels. 
. . . Hooray! Hooray! Tonto has disappeared in the ranks. The 
king is forced to forget everything Init the stress of the charge! . . . 
Ah, now he is a king indeed ! He rides like a god ! . . . Ah, the 
insurgents ! . . . How their weapons flash ! They come apace, but 
they never can withstand our troops. Oh! (turning from the door and 
sei::ing a zueapoii) that Rachimburg might use this good halberd! I would 
cleave that false doctor's head from his shoulders — thus — (suits action 
to the zvord). But no, — my king and my queen have other need of 
Rachimburg. 



2(\ pkixci-: eiiAKMixG. 

( lutlls to pickiiifi up ■:\.'t'apoii.\\ cloalcs. etc., that luivc been left in eon- 
fiiisio)! . . pauses in his 7C(>rk. nieditali'vely) . . Rachimburg, 

jailrif . . Rarbimbnr.!^, \\ arcUn nf tlir (aslli- . . Rachimburg. 

L'crs(-)iial allciKlant [u bis niajc-sty ! . . . and a purse witii every 
advance. . . . Rachimburg, what next? lie ready! 

[Sounds of battle in the distance give way to nearer sounds — elattcriny 
and z'oices. .Rachimburg ijocs to doar. steps outside, and is lieard 
from zuitlwut) Ho, comrades . . . What, the page? Bring him 
witiiin . . . {Enters, foUo-weu by soldiers bearing Toxni zcho lias 
been ■wounded) . . . There is a couch l^ebind the curtains. Place 
liim there . . . {As soldiers zvithdra:^' after placing Toxto on the 
conch, K. speaks to the last one) . . . Send a messenger at once 
for his aunt, the Countess of Castro. 

(Enter King, as Rachimburg comes from behind curtains) 

King. Is the page dead? 

Rach]m1!UR(-,. Xo, Sire, unfortunately for hnu. he is stiU h\ing. He 
is hopeless. I ordered him brought in here. .My Lord, and word sent to bis 
aunt, the Countess of Castro. 

King. Is he the Countess" nephew? T was never told of it. 

Rachimiukg. Your ]\lajesty has forgotten it. {Quietly) The poor child 
is fatally Avounded in the shoulder; be cannot recover. It would give 
him great happiness to see Your Majcst}' before he dies. 

( Enter Countess) 

Countess. (Breathlessly) Oh. Sirt\ I have come in all baste to see 
my poor P — p — Tonto. \\ here is my poor, dear Tonto ! 
King. Lead us to him, Rachimburg. 

(Rachimburg drazvs back the curtains that conceal the couch, zvhere 
Tonto lies pale and bleeding — but able to raise his head in greeting, 
as the Knig and the Coitntess approach. Tonto. z^'ithnut mustache, 
keeps only one side of face to audience. ) 

Tonto. Sire ! 

King. What a miracle! This is the strangest wound I ever saw in my 
life. One side of Tonto's mustache is gone. 

Countess. Sire, the blade of the sword probably swept off one side. 
Xothing is so capricious as a sword wound, as every one knows. 

King. How strange! On one side it is Tonto, my page, my insolent 
subject, and on the other it is — it is you, my good angel and my savior: 
it is you. my poof Pazza ! 

( Falls on his knees and sei.::es her hands and kisses them rezrrcntlv) 



1^ R I XX E C H A R A 1 1 N G. 27 

Pazza. Sire, my days are numbered, but before dying — '■ 

King. No, no, Pazza, you shall not die! 

Pazza. Before dying — I hope Your Majesty will forgixc the box on 
the ear which I gave you this daj-, in indiscreet zeal — 

King. Enougb ! I forgive you. After all, a throne and honor were 
well worth — what I received. >» 

Pazza. Alas, that is not all. 

King. What, is there anything more? 

Countess, (.-is Pazza scciiis to be faiiit'nui) Oh, sire I What have 
you done. My child is dying — 

King. My Pazza, you must not die. Speak, and be sure that I forgive 
you in advance all that you have done. Alas, it is I who have need of 
forgiveness. 

Pazza. Sire, the little doctor who took the liberty of boxing your cars — 

King. Was it j^ou that sent him? 

P.\zz.\. No, Sire. I. myself, was he. Ah, what would I not have done 
to save my King! It was I who, to save Your Majesty from the traitorous 
knaves that surrounded you, took the liberty of boxing your ears — 

King. Enough ! I forgive you, though the lesson was a hard one. 

Pazza. Alas, that is not all. 

King. (Rising) What! more? 

Pazza. Oh, aunt! I am dying! (Sinks back. Covntess supports her) 

King. (Very anxiously) Do you think she will recover. Countess? 

Countess. Bah ! No matter how ill a woman may be, happiness will 
bring her back from the brink of the grave. Kiss the queen, my nephew; 
it W'ill do her more good than all the doctors in the world. 

(King kisses Pazza, zvho gradually recovers. Countess zvithdrau's) 

Pazza. Sire, — the gipsy girl at the masked ball, who dared to box your 
cars — 

King. Was yourself, Pazza. Oh, I forgive you for that. I well de- 
served it. How could I doubt you, who are sincerity itself? But. now 
T think of it, do you remember the rash vow you made on the night of 
your marriage? You have kept your promise. It is for mc lo keep mine. 
Pazza, make haste to recover, and return to the castle, from which hap- 
piness fled with you. 

Pazza. I ba\ c a last l'a\or to ask ol' Ndur Majcst.\. RacbiniUurg was 
this day the witness of a scene fur uhicb I blnsli. and of which all must 
remain ignorant. I commend this lailhfnl scrv.uit to \otu- goodness. 

King. Racbimburg, take this \nu->v. and keep the secret, under penaU\ 
of ^•our bea<l. 



•IS PRINCE CHARMING. 

Rachimburg. (After receiving purse) This makes the fourth. My 
fortune is made. (Retires) 

King. (Kissing Pazza's hand) My faithful Pazza. I am nothing ex- 
cept through you. All that I know, and all that I think, I owe to you. 
Without you, I am nothing but a soulless body, fit only for follies. 

Pazza. Pardon me if I contradict Your Majesty. 

King. Oh, I afifect no false modesty : I know very well that I have 
the clearest head of any in my council— my ministers themselves are forced 
to acknowledge it, for they are always of my opinion. But with all this, 
there is more wisdom in your little finger than in all my royal brain. 
My resolution, therefore, is fixed. Let my court and people celebrate my 
wisdom, my goodness, and even my valor ; it is all very well, and I ac- 
cept the homage. You, alone, have the right to laugh at it, and xou will 
not betray me. But from this day I abandon my power to you. 

The king, my dear Pazza. will be only the chief of your subjects, the 
faithful minister of your will. You shall write the piece, and I will play 
it ; the applause will be mine, according to custom, and I will give it back 
to you by force of love. 

( Pazza, -who has been slou'ly rising, during the preceding speech, noz^' 
stands, rather jveakly, supported by Charming) 

Pazza. Do not talk in this way. my dear— 

King. I know what I am saying. I wish you to rule. I mean that in 
my empire, as in my home, nothing shall be done except by your command. 
1 am the master and the King. I desire and order it. 

Pazza. Sire, I am your wife and servant. It is my duty to obey. 

Curtain. 



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